Major Rajah Habib-ur-Rehman Khan

MAJOR RAJAH HABIB-UR-REHMAN KHAN

Date of Birth: 1913 and Date of Death: 26^th December, 1978

            Major Rajah Habib-ur-Rehman Khan, who announced the final message of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, was born in 1913 in Panjeri village of Bhimbar district in Kashmir, in a wealthy family.  His father was Rajah Munzoor Ahmed Khan.  He had his primary education at his native place and higher education in different high schools.  Later, he joined in the Prince of Wales Royal Indian Military College at Dehradun.  After getting military training, he joined the British Indian Army in 1933 as an officer.  He travelled to Malaya in February, 1941.  During his stay in Malaya, Japan bombarded the Pearl Harbor in December, 1941, as a result of which, America declared war against Japan.  By that time, Japan could seize several British areas like Malaya etc.  British Army, which was an ally of America, was defeated by Japan.  Thus, the troops under the leadership of Habib Khan were detained by Japan as war prisoners on 15^th February, 1942.  By that time, Captain Mohan Singh had formed the Indian National Army with Indian War Prisoners with the help of Japan.  Habib joined Indian National Army on 17^th February, 1942.  But, the Indian National Army was disbanded because of the disputes between Captain Mohan Singh and Japan officials.  Habib had taken the leadership of the Indian National Army by that time as per the advice of Rash Bihari Bose, a senior revolutionary leader of India.  Later, Subhash Chandra Bose reached to Singapore from Germany in 1943 and re-organised the Indian National Army and declared war against the British.  He gave a slogan ‘Chalo Delhi’ which became a war cry.  Habib met Bose on 15^th October, 1944.  Bose promoted him as the Commander of the ‘Nehru Brigade’ and gave him crucial responsibilities.  Nehru Brigade was praised by Netaji for its victories.  But, the Indian National Army which was supported by Japan had to retreat because of the defeat of Germany and Japan during the Second World War.  Habib was the only aide who accompanied Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose during his final retreat on a flight, which is believed to have crashed killing Netaji.  Habib, who survived, reached India and announced the final message of Netaji to people.  The British Government conducted Court Marshal against the warriors of the Azad Hind Fouz after the war.  But, it did not implement any sentence against them fearing public outcry.  Habib reached his native place after the division of the country and served as a senior army officer in the Pakistan Government in different positions.  Major Habib-ur-Rehman Khan breathed his last on 26^th December, 1978.